Fasig-Tipton saved its most explosive fireworks for the final horse through the sales ring on July 8 when bloodstock agent Mahmud Mouni outlasted other bidders to purchase Bashford Manor Stakes winner Romeo for $1.7 million during The July Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale near Lexington.
Romeo, a late addition to the sale as Hip 370, proved popular with Mouni and other interested parties after winning two of three starts. Besides the colt's 3 3/4-length victory in the Bashford Manor stakes June 29 at Churchill Downs, he had also won a May 3 maiden race at Laurel Park by 10 1/4 lengths. His defeat came between those races when he was third in the June 5 Tremont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.
Mouni said Romeo, a 2-year-old son of Honor A. P. out of the Not for Love mare Fancy Love, would be sent to Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen for the continuation of his juvenile season. The long-term aim is for the horse to race in the Middle East over the winter and into the spring, Mouni added.
Bred by John Davison in Maryland, Romeo was previously trained by John Robb for owner Joseph Lloyd. He earned $156,760 for Lloyd.
Paramount Sales consigned Romeo as agent.
